Fire rating is the ability of a construction or building element to withstand for a defined amount of time against the thermal results of a fire, without the loss of integrity or/and insulation.

FIRE RATING CLASSIFICATION

WITHOUT INSULATION

WITH INSULATION

ENo flames or hot gases on the non-fire side

EWSame as E plus measured radiated heat in front of the glazing many not exceed 15kW/m2

EIHeat shield function. On average the temperature may not exceed 140oC above the initial temperature on the non-fire side of the glazing

E=Integrity:

The ability of the element of construction with a separating function to withstand fire exposure on one side only, without the transmission of fire to the non-fire side as a result of the passage of significant quantities of flames or hot gases from the fire to the non-fire side, thereby causing ignition of the non-fire exposed surface or any materials adjacent to that surface.

EW=Radiation:

The ability of the element of construction with a separating function to withstand fire exposure from one side only for a period of time, while the measured radiated heat in front of the glazing is below a specified level.

EI=Insulation:

The ability of the element of construction with a separating function to withstand fire exposure on one side only, without the transmission of fire to the non-fire side as a result of significant conduction of heat from the fire side to the non-fire side, thereby causing ignition of the non-fire exposed surface or any material in contact with that surface and the ability to provide a barrier to heat sufficient to protect people near the element of construction for the relevant classification period.

Fire rated steel profile is a steel profile that when subjected to a fire test together with its supporting elements, it presents a defined fire rating.

All steel profiles at the boundaries of fire zones or fire protected shafts ought to be fire rated, according to the required fire rating for that specific boundary.

A Fire zone is a section of the building or the building in whole, which is sealed by building elements with a defined fire rating according to each case.